Catamenial bandage.



M. M. GILLAM.

GATAMENIAL BANDAGE. APPLIGATiON FILED AUG. 19. 1908. 95 1 1 84, Patented Mar. 8, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

WITNESSES gfm aw A TTORNEY.

M. M. GILLAM.

OATAMENIAL BANDAGE.

APPLIGATION FILED AUG. 19, 1908. 95 1 184 Patented Mar. 8, 1910.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVENTOB MANLY 1a. 'GILLAM, or NEW YORK, 11. Y.

CATAMENIAL BANDAGE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 8, 1910.

Application filed August 19, 1908. Serial No. 449,265.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MANLY M. GILLAM, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain. new and useful Im rovements in Catamenial Bandages, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in catamenial bandages; and the object of my invention is to provide a new and improved catamenial bandage, which is simple in construction, fits perfectly without causing pain or inconvenience in use, is moisture proof, holds a napkin or other absorbent in such a manner that the same cannot easily be displaced, during its ordinary use and which protecting device provides amply for toilet purposes and fully protects the garments.

In the accompanying drawings :-Figure 1, is an elevational view of my new and improved catamenial bandage shown in operative position. Fig. 2, is a perspective view of the bandage in a rigged condition for use. Fig. 3, is a top or plan view of the bandage laid out flat. Fig. 4, is a front 'elevational view of the belt front to span the abdomen, as shown in Fig. 1, having respective ends provided with attaching buckles; and Fig. 5, is an elevational view, in broken section, of an end portion of the front belt, as used with the catamenial bandage, showing one of the straps sewed to the belt.

Referring to the drawings, the bandage is composed of a piece of moisture proof fabric, such as muslin treated with rubber or the like. The strip 1, of fabric is so cut as to provide two square ends 2 and The said strip is narrowed intermediate of its ends at 4, 4, with the edges of said narrowed portion diverging toward each end. When the device is applied between the legs it fits respectively, the buttocks and abdomen an-d both sides fit in the crotch. By the gradual reducing of the width'ofthe strip on curved lines in respect to the length of the same when flaps or wings are attached to the said strip is provided alongitudinal central depression, as designated by thenumeral' 5,.

to receive and hold comfortably'a napkin or other absorbent. The sides aboirtthis' central lon itudinal depression arearranged so as to be resistant tolateral pressure exerted, in use. The curved edges of the bandage permit of a good clinging fit in the crotch and against the legs as clearly shown in Fig. 1.

'The two flaps or wings 7, conformin to the converging edges of the strip 1, w en the bandage is applied, rest against the inner portions of the wearers legs and extend downward, as fully shown in Fig. 1. The flaps 7, adjust themselves on the inner portions of the legs and as they have a tendency to cling to the legs, they not only assist in preventing accidental displacement of the bandage, but they also protect the .inner portions of the legs and undergarments from being stained or soiled.

The .respective ends of the piece or strip 1, are reinforced and provided with buttonholes 9 and buttons 9 whereby the respective ends can be attached to the lower edges of two tabs or short aprons 10 and 11, ex-

tending downward from the front and rear ends of the belts 12, 12, adapted to be applied to the wearers waist. These belts are provided with buckles 14, or equivalent fastening or adjusting means. To prevent the strip 1, from doubling, folding or binding at the narrowest part, which might be apt to occur, if light or thin fabric was employed, I attach a reinforcing strip 15, on-the underside of each-of the short aprons 10 and 11, as fully shown in Fig. 4. This reinforcing strip must only be of suflicient weight to prevent folding yet not be so heavy or stiff as to cause inconvenience or chafing.

Having thus described the nature and objects of my invention, what I claim as'ne'w and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The combination in a catamenial bandage,- of a strip of moisture-proof fabric provided with two square ends having the portion in termediate of said ends narrowed and" the edges of the narrowed portion diverging toward each of said ends, flaps or wings on both sides conformin to said edges and connected thereto, said square ends of said strip being reinforced and provided with a plurality of button-holes and short aprons provided with take-up belts detachably connected with the square ends of said bandage, substantially as described.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my signature in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MANLY M. GILLAM.

Witnesses:

J. WALTER DoUoLAss, THOMAS M. SMITH. 

